Stoddard County, Missouri - Is Human Trafficking a local issue in Stoddard County and the answer is YES! Human Trafficking is more than just a kidnapping and being sold into slavery! If you want to learn more or want to help please come to an informational meeting on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. at the Living Water Worship Center in Bloomfield.

Come the entrance behind Living Water Worship Center at 18094 Highway 25. Now is the time to get involved and learn about Human Trafficking and Exploitation with GO:61, Inc. Southeast Missouri representative, Tish Gentry, will be on hand to discuss the new SEMO chapter of GO:61 which is based out of Springfield, Missouri.

What exactly is Human Trafficking? it is defined by a person being used as a commodity for the gain of another person through one, two or all of the follow means: FORCE, FRAUD, AND COERCION. Human Trafficking is a crime against a person and within the organization of GO:61, they believe it is the worst crime against humanity.

GO:61 is working hard to educate the public especially in the Ozarks of Missouri. Small town and rural areas are not exempt from this crime. Prostitution and domestic abuse frequently cloak human trafficking and the enslavement of a person is not recognized because it is given another name.

Do you know the signs of someone in need? Do you recognize human trafficking when you are face-to-face with someone? GO:61 can provide volunteer training, education, and offer victim services in efforts to end these horrible crimes against humanity.

Local GO:61 representative Tish Gentry spoke about her passion. "I have always had a heart for hurting, young women," she said. "I went to a conference and took a 9 week training and now I want to start a program here in our area. There are many cases of human trafficking right here in our county. We just need to help them spiritually and be an advocate for them."